Over 50 products are available from the well-known skincare label The Ordinary, most of which are designed to highlight a single ingredient and address skin issues like hyperpigmentation, dryness, fine lines and wrinkles, and acne-prone skin, and more. Because they provide focused, efficient formulations at extremely low retail pricing, The Normal stands out among its rivals.
It is relatively simple to buy multiple products because of the low-cost structure, but using them together is where things get trickier. For information on product ingredients, the website for The Ordinary is a fantastic place to start.
I thought it would be helpful to develop some sample skincare routines using The Ordinary products for various skin types and skin concerns, including dry skin, aging skin, oily/combo skin that is acne-prone, skin experiencing hyperpigmentation and textural issues, skin experiencing normal skin, sensitive skin, and normal skin.
Summary
The Correct Order of Skincare Application
In general, The Ordinary recommends applying water-based formulas first, followed by anhydrous or oil-based formulas, and finally cream-based or suspension-based treatments, in that order. If you have more than one skincare condition or concern, you should use a water-based serum for each one.
Even if you’re using high-quality skin-care products, it’s not enough. To get the most out of your items, you must use them in the exact order. Your skin type, the contents and formulations of the products you use, and the time of day will all influence your daily routine. However, a good rule of thumb is to use the thinnest to the thickest items in order of texture, since thinner products cannot penetrate thicker ones.
The Perfect 9-Step Skincare Routine
Even if you have a nine-step routine or a three-step one, there is one thing everyone can do to enhance their skincare: apply products in the correct order. Start with a clean, toned base and apply concentrated active ingredients, then lock in the moisture and use an SPF during the daytime regardless of your skin concerns. The following are the steps to a successful skincare routine:
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Wash your face
Every day, wash your face with warm water and pat it dry with a clean towel. Gently massage the face wash into your skin. Rinse your hands and massage your face with water to remove the cleanser and dirt from your face. Using a soft cloth, gently blot the moisture from your face. Cleansing twice a night is recommended for those who wear makeup. To begin, use a cleansing oil or micellar water to remove your makeup. You can prevent rubbing your eyes by letting an eye-makeup remover sit on your skin for a few minutes before rinsing it off. After that, gently cleanse your face all over.
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Apply toner
After cleaning your face, use a toner and proceed to the rest of your skincare routine. Using a cotton pad or your hands, gently apply a few drops of toner to your face. As a rule, if your toner contains exfoliating chemicals like glycolic acid, only use it at night. It is possible to use hydrating solutions twice a day. Don’t use an exfoliating toner at the same time as retinoids or any other exfoliators.
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Apply serum
Antioxidant serums, such as a vitamin C serum for brightening, work best when used first thing in the morning since they shield your skin from free radicals that accumulate throughout the day. If you’re taking anti-aging or acne treatments that can irritate and dry out the skin, hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid can help protect your skin from drying out at night. Exfoliants like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) or lactic acid can also be found in serums. Regardless of the method you use, always keep in mind: A moisturizer should be used on top of any water-based serums before applying an oil-based serum.
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Apply eye cream
Because eye creams tend to be a lot thinner than face moisturizers, you’ll normally want to layer them on top of your regular moisturizer if you’re using an eye cream. You can reduce puffiness in the morning by using an eye cream with a roller-ball applicator and keeping it in the refrigerator. Fluid retention might create puffy eyes in the morning if you use a moisturizing eye cream at night.
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Use spot treatment
Acne spot treatments should be applied at night, when your body is in repair mode, to get the best results. Acne-fighting chemicals like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acids should not be combined with retinol, which can irritate the skin. Instead, focus on keeping your skin hydrated and relaxed.
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Moisturize
Moisturizer provides both hydration and protection for the other products you’ve applied to your skin. For morning use, go for a light lotion with at least SPF 30 protection.
You can use a heavier night cream in the evening. Those who suffer from dry skin may benefit from applying a cream both in the morning and at night.
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Apply retinoid
It is possible to minimize dark spots, acne, and fine wrinkles by using retinoids (vitamin A derivatives such as retinol), but they can also irritate sensitive skin. Retinoids, if taken, should only be used at night because sunlight breaks them down. Additionally, they increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, necessitating the use of sunscreen.
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Apply face oil
If you’re going to use a facial oil, apply it last because nothing else will get through the oil.
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Apply sunscreen
Most dermatologists agree that protecting your skin from the sun is the most crucial aspect of any skin-care routine. Preventing skin cancer and the aging effects of the sun can be accomplished by wearing sunscreen. It doesn’t matter if your moisturizer has SPF in it or not; you still need sunscreen. When using chemical sunscreens, wait 20 minutes before going outside. You should look for broad-spectrum SPF, which protects from both UVA and UVB radiations.
Step 1: Oil-based cleanser
Water-based and oil-based cleansers are the two main types of cleansers available. The purpose of the latter is to break down the oils on your skin.
With certain oil-based cleansers, the magic happens while the skin is damp. Others are better suited for oily skin. Before applying a little amount to your skin, read the product’s instructions. Dry with a fresh towel after massaging in the solution and rinsing thoroughly.
This step is not necessary if you have combination or oily skin and your cleanser just contains oil rather than a blend of oil plus surfactants and emulsifiers. When using cleansing oils, you should be aware that this could lead to an increase in oiliness.
Makeup and pollutants are easily and gently removed with Deviant Enzymatic Cleansing Oil.
Keep an eye on your skin for a few days to see how it responds to the product. Before switching to an oil-based cleanser if you have cystic acne, consult your doctor.
Step 2: Water-based cleanser
Surfactants, which allow water to wash away grime and sweat, are the primary constituents in these cleansers. In addition, they can eliminate the oils that an oil-based cleanser has gathered.
To use, apply to moist skin and rinse thoroughly before allowing to air dry.
If you don’t want to twice cleanse, or if your oil-based cleanser has enough surfactants to remove dirt and debris, you can skip this step entirely.
Step 3: Toner or astringent
Toners are used to eliminate dead skin cells and other impurities from the skin after it has been cleansed. Excess oil is removed with the application of an astringent, which is an alcohol-based product.
Using it is as simple as swiping it across your face in an outward motion after cleaning with a cotton pad or tapping it directly onto your skin.
If you have dry skin, avoid using an astringent.
Try these out: There’s an alcohol-free cult favorite in Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel Facial Toner, while Neutrogena’s Clear Pore Oil-Eliminating Astringent is formulated to help you avoid breakouts.
Step 4: Antioxidant serum
Concentrations of specific components are found in serums. Antioxidant serums shield the skin from free radicals, which are unstable chemicals that cause skin damage. Antioxidants such as Vitamin C and E are commonly utilized to enhance the texture and firmness of the skin. Green tea, resveratrol, and caffeine are also to be avoided.
Its use is as follows: Apply a few drops to your face and neck and rub them in well.
Product recommendations: The Skinceuticals CF with Ferulic Acid is expensive but promises to protect against UVA and UVB radiation and minimize the effects of aging, so it’s worth the price tag. Hydrance Intense Rehydrating Serum by Avene is one of the more cheap options available.
When trying out a new product, make sure to test a tiny area of your skin to see how it reacts to your skin and the other products you use in your regimen.
Step 5: Spot treatment
Look for an anti-inflammatory medication to get rid of the blemish’s head, then use a spot-drying treatment to heal the rest of your skin. In order to treat a cyst, you will need a product that focuses on the illness from the inside out.
Remove any skin care products from the affected area using a moist cotton swab. Apply a small amount of the treatment and allow it to dry before moving on to the next stage.
If you don’t have any spots or just want to let nature take its course, you can skip this step.
Kate Somerville’s products are worth a try. The high sulfur component of EradiKate Acne Treatment helps to decrease spots and prevent the emergence of new pimples. A fantastic product for the daytime is Murad’s Rapid Relief Acne Spot Treatment. It can speed up the healing process and aid in the removal of any remaining discoloration by drying clear.
Step 6: Eye cream
It’s common for the skin surrounding your eyes to be thinner and more delicate. Fine lines, puffiness, and dark spots are all common aging indicators in this skin type. The region around the eyes can be brightened, smoothed, and firmed using an eye cream, but problems will still remain.
Its use is as follows: Use your ring finger to dab a small amount on the eye area.
Bypass this step if your serum and moisturizer are fragrance-free and suitable for use around the eyes.
Step 7: Lighter face oil
Applying a lighter product sooner is recommended because it will not take as long to dry. Oils that are easily absorbed are lighter than moisturizers, thus they should be used first. If you have dry, flaky, or dehydrated skin, these products will be extremely beneficial to you.
Squeeze a few drops onto your fingertips and apply them to the skin. Gently warm the oil by rubbing the two together, and then dab your face with it.
If you prefer a regular maintenance schedule, you can skip this step. You’ll likely have to experiment with a variety of oils to find the one that best suits your skin type.
The Ordinary Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil and Aspen Kay Glow Face Oil are some of the products you can try.
Step 8: Moisturizer
Moisturizers are great for calming and hydrating skin. Choose a cream or balm if you have dry skin. Oily skin types should stick to fluids and gels, while those with regular or mixed skin should stick to thicker creams. Glycerine, ceramides, antioxidants, and peptides are all effective components.
Its use is as follows: Warm a small bit of the mixture in your hands. First, use upward strokes to apply to the cheeks, and then the rest of the face.
If your toner or serum already has adequate moisture, you can skip this step. In particular, persons with oily skin should be aware of this.
For oily skin, choose CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion, a light moisturizer with SPF 30. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream Extra-Dry is ideal for persons with dry skin.
Frequently asked questions:
What routine should I follow for dry skin?
Focus on hydration and the development of a healthy skin barrier if you have dry skin. Using products that aren’t overly drying or acidic might assist your skin to retain the moisture you’ve just applied.
What is a basic skincare routine?
A simplified skin care regimen is more efficient than a more involved one, yet it still maintains the cleanliness and well-being of your skin. The stages you take will be determined by your requirements and available time.
Typically, removing makeup, cleansing your face, using a spot treatment for any blemishes, wearing sunscreen during the day, and applying moisturizer are all part of a basic routine.
At what age should you start a skincare routine?
It’s never too early or late to start a skincare routine. Even kids can practice taking care of their skin by washing their faces when they wake up and before bed and applying sunscreen during the day.
Thank you for reading!